Northwest Harvest is Washington’s leading hunger relief agency – supporting a statewide network of 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools. Focused on improving equity in our food system, Northwest Harvest believes everyone in Washington should have consistent access to nutritious food that feeds the body, mind, and spirit. In addition to making sure those who suffer from hunger are being fed, Northwest Harvest aims to shift public opinion, as well as impact institutional policies and societal practices that perpetuate hunger, poverty, and disparities in our state. Learn more at http://www.northwestharvest.org

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Community Initiatives Manger is responsible for and plays a critical role in ensuring effective management, consistent program delivery, and strong quality control developing and growing Northwest Harvest programs while working collaboratively with strategic, community and philanthropic partners. This role demands intense monitoring of emergency food trends nationally with a sensitive eye towards Northwest Harvest priorities, as well as creative, solutions-oriented and results-driven approaches to ending hunger in Washington State.

This position will contribute to cutting hunger in half by 2028 by supporting existing community-based initiatives and implementing new programs at Northwest Harvest in alignment with the agency mission and vision.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Collaboration: 40%

Develop and maintain partnerships to support activities that feed the hungry today, and help build a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow.

Identify the strategic, community and philanthropic partners needed to cut hunger in half by 2028.

Design programs that align with the organization's mission and support the organization's goals.

Set program goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate community driven projects.

Maintain NWH presence and participate in state/national workgroups/coalitions, such as Closing the Hunger Gap National Leadership Team, Health King County Coalition, WSU Extension Food Advisory Committee and others as appropriate.

Network and collaborate with partner organizations (WSU, WSDA, Public Health, WA Nonprofits) on all program initiatives.

Monitor state and national research and reports, such as WA Food Systems Round Table, Bread for the World Hunger Report, FRAC reports, and subject specific reports within nutrition education, vulnerable populations, innovations with food banking, farm-to-food bank, ag surplus, summer meals, as well as facilitation techniques.

Coordinate with Department Managers to implement the goals of the department.

Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.

Travel to attend meetings, conferences, seminars and other outreach activities.

Equity and Inclusion

Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency and an understanding of oppression and its impact.

Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events relating to understanding and dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency.

Relationships:

Internal:Frequent contact with staff.Communicate daily, works closely with hunger response network team, the distribution team, the finance department, development and agency managers.

External: Regular contact with stakeholders, vendors, and food bank leadership and coalitions including the Washington State Department of Agriculture, WSU Extension, King County Public Health, Anti-hunger and Nutrition Coalition and others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A combination of the real-life experience, education, and training listed below which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.

Successful completion of Criminal History Background check is required.

Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Follow-through, and high attention to detail a must. Multicultural awareness and experience vital.

This position requires a self-motivated person with the ability to work independently and collaborative with a positive attitude, while working on tight deadlines and handling multiple projects at the same time.

Must be flexible, have the ability to travel and work nights and weekends, as needed.

Research experience, meeting planning/facilitation experience

Valid Driver’s License and willingness to travel throughout Washington State

Commitment to organizational mission to address root causes of poverty and hunger

Proven successful experience with program planning, management, and evaluation.

Experience developing community driven programs.

Ability To:

Understand individuals who have experienced poverty or food insecurity.

Demonstrate interest and commitment to supporting equity and inclusion for members of historically marginalized groups including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ populations and people living with disabilities.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and leadership to assure a high degree of mutual accountability.

Analyze issues, synthesize information, make decisions and learn from mistakes.

Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen effectively and to explain complex issues and applicable legal requirements, policies, and procedures to staff and leaders.

Ask questions to understand the merits of different approaches and shift strategies in response to demands of a situation.

EXPERIENCE:

5 – 7 plus years of progressively responsible experience in program management. Experience in a nonprofit organization is desired but not required.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

Bachelor’s Degree in program management, social services, communications or public relations or other related field is preferred or equal combination of experience and/or education.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Washington State Driver’s License

DISCLAIMER:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. As an adaptive organization, responsibilities can and will change in alignment with greater efficiencies and mission metrics.

COMPENSATION:Northwest Harvest offers a competitive salary and generous benefits which include but are not limited to paid time off, health/vision/dental insurance, and 401(k) retirement plan.

Pay range for this position is $56,000 - $60,000 annually – negotiable

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION:

Northwest Harvest (NWH) is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. NWH does not discriminate with regards to hiring, assignment, promotion or other conditions of staff employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other status protected under local, state or federal law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of our positions.